Cozy companions: sunflowers and cucumbers

Planting certain plants adjacent to others to produce enhanced outcomes is called companion planting. There are a number of classic examples, like basil near tomatoes to help repel insects from the fruiting plants or the trio of “three sisters,” corn which supports climbing beans which help provide nitrogen for the corn and squash which provides moisture-retaining shade for the other two.

One of the most delightful companion plantings is that of VanGogh sunflowers (from Renee’s Garden Seeds) and cucumbers. These stocky sunflowers are an excellent support for cucumbers in the garden, not only providing support for the vining cucumbers, but the association of combining sunflowers and cucumbers nets better-tasting cukes in the bargain.

And of course whenever you add flowers to a vegetable garden you are getting the added bonus of attracting pollinators which help ensure better crops.